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Inspirational article from Joanne Lowe

Index of Writings by Joanne Lowe on Gospel Web

BECAUSE OF THE JOY

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Hebrews 12: 1, 2 King James Version

Every week I take my parakeet out of her cage and put her in a smaller cage so that I can clean the cage that she uses every day. Today as I took her out of the cage she bit me but it didn’t bother me because of the joy of knowing she would have a clean cage and be happy. It was worth a little pain to me because I knew that she would have less chances of getting sick because her cage would be clean.

I have often wondered how Jesus could have endured the horror and pain of that cruel cross because He was human just like we are. It is because of the joy that was set before Him that He was able to endure the cross. He had the joy of knowing that He was being obedient to His Father. He also had joy because He was doing it from a heart of love. This is why it is so important that we spend time with Him and fellowship with Him. He gave His life for us not only for our salvation, but also so we could have fellowship with Him.

If you feel like you can’t go another step and you are hurting and carrying a heavy load of sorrows, discouragement, loneliness and heartaches, look for the joy in it. The joy is in knowing that you can go to Jesus and tell Him all about your heartaches and burdens. You can give them all to Him and He will be faithful to carry your burdens for you.

Joanne Lowe
February 11, 2007

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